Music Department

MUSIC
: One term of music is required for graduation. The study of music may lead
toward a 3-year group sequence. This can be a performance sequence in
either vocal or instrumental music.

CHORUS:
(AUV) The New Utrecht High School Chorus consists of one
or two classes of 40-50 students each which meet daily in Room 151.The main
purpose of Chorus is to provide performance opportunities for students at
school and community events. Class time is spent on vocal training and
learning music for scheduled performances. All New Utrecht students are
welcome in Chorus, regardless of prior musical experience. All that is
required is a willingness to learn and participation in class and performances.

The Chorus performs at PTA Meetings (at least 1 per
semester), Senior Award's Night and Graduation (Spring), Holiday Carolling
at local nursing homes and schools (Holy Family Nursing Home, Victory
Memorial/Brooklyn Hospital Nursing Home, the William O'Connor School-
FALL), occasional evening performances or school assemblies and other
community events. Students are required to attend ALL performances.

SENIOR BAND:
(UDS11) The New Utrecht High School Senior Band (Also
known as the New Utrecht High School Jazz & Rock Ensemble)
meets daily in the Auditorium during 1st period. This course is
for students who can play a musical instrument and would like to play in a
full band setting. All types of music are studied. Styles include: Rock,
Jazz and Pop music. The Senior Band performs at school functions and in the
community. Entrance is by audition and approval of the instructor.

JUNIOR BAND:
(UDS11QB) The New Utrecht High School Junior Band meets
daily in the Auditorium. This course is for students who want to learn how
to play an instrument or are beginners on their instrument. Topics covered:
technique, basic fingerings, scales, tone production, tuning, intonation
and reading music. The Junior Band is not a performing
ensemble. Please see instructor for more information.

GUITAR:
(UGS) Elementary and Advanced guitar classes are offered. Getting help from
the instructor is a key factor. Beginners will learn the basics of the
guitar including: tunings, plucking, strumming and their application to
popular rock idioms. Guitars will be supplied. The Advanced class
(UGS32/33) will study song structure, picking techniques, mutings,
songwriting, chord progressions, music theory and group performance.

CORE MUSIC/REQUIRED MUSIC:
(AUA) In Required Music students will explore how music is
created through the study of the Elements of Music: Rhythm, Melody,
Harmony, Tone Color and Dynamics. We will explore Musical Styles and Forms
of music. We will study Musical Composers and Virtuosos through classwork
and REQUIRED PROJECTS. We will study the Instruments of
the Orchestra by their various families: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass and
Percussion and we will learn how to use Music Notation. We will also learn
about Copyright laws and what they mean to today's consumer in relation to
downloading music. Finally, we will explore the contributions of Latin
American & African American music, including Spirituals, Gospel and the
Blues. Students will conclude the course with a REQUIRED FINAL PROJECT of their choice from a list
provided by the teachers.